Overview
It interacts with many medicines because it blocks the liver enzymes that clear them.
What it's used for
- OCD in children 8 and older and adults
- Off-label: depression and anxiety
How to take it
- Take it at bedtime (or twice a day at higher doses).
- Don't stop suddenly.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Sexual side effects
Warnings
- Children, teens, and young adults can have more suicidal thoughts when starting.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Never take with tizanidine, thioridazine, alosetron, pimozide, or ramelteon, or within 14 days of an MAOI.
- It greatly raises caffeine, clozapine, olanzapine, theophylline, and some other levels.
- Aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood thinners raise bleeding risk.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk with your provider about benefits and risks.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Fluvoxamine (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.